Welcome to Class!
Training a puppy is a journey. This 4-week curriculum is designed to build trust, establish communication, and master the basics using positive reinforcement.
Week 1: Trust & The Basics
Building the bond and learning their name.
Name Recognition Game
Say name → Puppy looks → Mark "Yes!" & Treat. Repeat 10x.
Introduce "Sit"
Use a food lure over the nose to guide hips down.
Potty Training Schedule
Take out after eating, sleeping, and playing. Reward heavily outside.
Week 2: Impulse Control
Learning to wait and come when called.
Master "Sit"
Fade the food lure. Ask for a sit before meals.
Introduce "Come"
Play recall games in a hallway or fenced yard.
Crate Games
Toss treats in crate, let puppy enter/exit freely to build value.
Week 3: Settling Down
Adding duration and relaxation.
Introduce "Down"
Lure from sit to floor. Patience is key.
Short "Stay"
Start with 1-2 seconds. Don't add distance yet.
Handling Drills
Touch paws, ears, and mouth while giving treats.
Week 4: Advanced Manners
Self-control and safety commands.
Introduce "Leave It"
The "It's Yer Choice" game with food in hand.
Add Distance to "Stay"
Take one step back, return, reward.
Socialization Outing
Visit a new place (park, friend's house) and reward calmness.
Select a Lesson
Select a command from the menu to start the lesson.
Fun Electives
Once the homework is done, it's time for recess!
Spin
FunTeach your puppy to spin in a circle. Great for burning off excitement!
How to teach:
- Hold a treat near puppy's nose.
- Lure their head in a wide circle towards their tail.
- As they turn to follow, mark "Yes!" and treat.
- Add the cue "Spin" once they are following smoothly.
Shake / Paw
ClassicThe classic gentleman's greeting. Best taught from a sitting position.
How to teach:
- Ask puppy to SIT.
- Hold a treat in your closed fist near their paw.
- Wait for them to paw at your hand to open it.
- Mark "Yes!" the moment the paw touches you.
Touch (Target)
UsefulTeach your dog to boop your hand with their nose. Useful for moving them around!
How to teach:
- Rub a smelly treat on your palm, then hold palm out flat.
- Puppy sniffs palm → Mark "Yes!" & treat (from other hand).
- Repeat until they bump your hand enthusiastically.
- Add cue "Touch".
Roll Over
AdvancedA cute party trick. Requires the puppy to be comfortable in 'Down' first.
How to teach:
- Start in DOWN position.
- Hold treat near nose, move it towards shoulder, then over backbone.
- Puppy should flop onto side/back to follow it.
- Mark and reward.